Happy B-Day Emmanuh 2014

Tonight I took an interesting journey,
Call it a journey of twenty-something years,
The journey of my dreams,
Traveled back to my childhood days,
Back to the precious , saved memories,
In a bid to listen to childhood stories,
Hoping to catch a happily ever after
Hidden somewhere deep in the dreams.
I would never want to wake up just yet—
To a world that could make me forget those memories.

I visited the days…
Days when I had a shoulder to lean on,
Days when Mama could tuck me into my crib,
Days when I leapt without fear of a heartbreak,
Days when my cries sent everyone into a frenzy,
Days when my little smile stole women’s hearts,
Days when the sun always rose from the east,
Days when rivers flowed and birds would sing,
Days when I stumbled like a drunk man to find my balance…
Yes, I got there safely.

Too many memories lie hidden far beyond my reach.
I wish I could narrate and tell you all of it,
But only the best stay saved in my heart.
Since the journey was short, I grasped the best—
The ones I reminisce and cherish forever,
Like…
The nights, on the eve of all my birthdays,
When I’d stay up late , to watch myself taller.
Now I laugh at the thought that I didn’t realize
How I grew older.
Ah, those were the beautiful days.

On my way, I encountered days
I’m unsure if I should celebrate
Or sit, hold my chin, and just regret—
Days with memories of events I missed:
Of beautiful girls I did not date,
Of rough games I did not play,
Of best foods left on my plate,
Of holiday trips I did not make…
Gone are those days.

But today I woke with a idea—
A new way to preserve the best memories,
To keep the forgotten tucked in my heart.
It’s my birthday, and I’ll celebrate,
Blow out candles, wish for futures bright,
Clear doubts , and live for what’s ahead.
I’m grateful for the past—for it made me who I am—
And thanks for the 20th of every December:
You’ll be a memory in my life,
Live forever. Happy B-Day, Emmanuel!